This rifle was made by Choate of NY. He was a well respected maker of fine rifles. I like it because of the simple but clean lines. It is in great shape as well.
Here is a False Muzzle and Short Starter. The False Muzzle was used so that the crown on the barrel would not get worn by the loading of the rifle. The Short Starter got the bullet started down the barrel, where the ramrod would be used to seat the bullet on the powder charge.